It's widely accepted that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is a living hell. The long waits and extensive paperwork contribute to a bad attitude and general gloom. Neither the employees nor those served have much desire to be there. Now, with her new CBS comedy, "DMV," Dana Klein unravels the mystery and takes audiences behind the scenes at an East Hollywood DMV, where a motley crew of driving examiners, profilers, and document processors try to survive the day by clinging to their benefits and their sanity. Despite being generic and mediocre at first, as the series consolidates, the potential of what could be begins to shine.
The pilot opens in a vehicle. The optimistic, people-pleasing examiner Colette (Harriet Dyer) is administering another test. Although her coworkers, Gregg (Tim Meadows), a now-grumpy former teacher, and Vic (Tony Cavalero), a fellow weightlifter, have nicknamed her "Easy Pass" because she rarely fails anyone, the Norman Bates-like air the man behind the wheel exudes is tarnishing Colette's typically cheerful disposition.
Creator: Dana Klein
Stars: Brenda Ngo, Tim Meadows, Gigi Zumbado
But today's scary driver's tests are the least of her worries. Barbara (Molly Kearney), the newly appointed branch manager, is determined to stop the consultants from further slashing the already tight budget. Meanwhile, Colette finally works up the nerve to talk to Noa (Alex Tarrant), the attractive new document processor she's desperate to connect with.
Like many pilots, "DMV" gets off to a rocky start. With significant changes imminent at the East Hollywood headquarters, the audience learns just how awkward and quirky Colette can be when she's uncomfortable. Barbara is focused on saving the East Hollywood location from total automation, but her toxic positivity doesn't always go down well. Ceci (Gigi Zumbado), the portrait artist, focuses primarily on her love for Cardi B, and Gregg's motto is to make things as inefficient as possible. The first episode of the series gives viewers a brief rundown of the DMV's inner workings, but it doesn't provide enough groundwork for a truly distinct narrative. However, in Episode 2, "Stay in Your Lane" (received four reviews by critics), the series slowly begins to reveal what it aspires to be.
In the second episode, DMV staff arrive at work on a sweltering day. Barbara warns everyone that touching the air conditioner is prohibited, but Colette takes matters into her own hands to ensure Noa's comfort. Elated by her nine-minute conversation with Noa about dogs, Colette wants to prevent her from becoming another victim of "Wash Wednesday." Apparently, many workers collapse and quit on the third Wednesday of work. Although Gregg and Vic, who act as Colette's coworkers and voices of reason and confusion, urge her to mind her own business, she cranks up the air conditioning, causing a total blackout and chaos at the DMV.
Episode 4, "Don't Kill the Job," is the most realistic and funny of the lot. After running into an old friend, Colette, embarrassed by her friend's success compared to her own, pretends to be a DMV customer rather than an employee. Barbara, Vic, and Ceci try to help Colette with her plan, but their collective "help" takes things even further to the point of absurdity. Leaving her colleagues shorthanded and trying to keep their lies consistent, Colette must decide for herself why it's so vital for her to be perceived a certain way, all while questioning whether she's truly dissatisfied with her life or if she's exactly where she's supposed to be.
With a universally familiar background and some absurd situations, "DMV" has everything it needs to be a good workplace comedy. While the comedy isn't entirely successful from the start, as the actors settle into their characters and the stories and the world around them develop in greater depth, it could become a captivating weekly treat.
"DMV" premieres October 13 on CBS and releases new episodes every Monday.
I thought the first episode was quite funny. Especially the treatment of the snooty guy who comes late and with expired ID. I kind of hope he’s a recurring character.
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